How to Remove Burs, Thistles & Foliage from Dog Fur

Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor adventures with your dog, but along with the sunshine and fresh air comes the inevitable challenge of burs, thistles, and sticky seeds gathering in your pet’s coat. Whether you live in a bustling city or a countryside village, these pesky plant materials can cling stubbornly to your dog’s fur, causing discomfort and potentially serious coat problems.

If your dog has dense, wavy, or feathered fur—like the English Springer Spaniel—you may find that burs catch on and tangle easily, requiring prompt grooming attention after each walk.

This guide will walk you through practical, vet-approved steps and grooming tips to safely and effectively deal with burs, thistles, and other foliage in your dog’s fur, helping maintain their wellbeing and comfort.

Why Burs and Other Foliage Can Harm Your Dog

Burs and thistles with hooks and spikes are adept at embedding themselves deep into dense or curly dog coats. Left unattended, these can cause mats and tangles that pull painfully on the skin, leading to soreness and irritation. Matted fur traps dirt and bacteria, increasing the risk of skin infections and parasitic infestations.

More serious mats often mean your dog needs a full clip or shave to restore coat health, which can be stressful for both of you. Prevention and swift removal after encounters with such foliage is the best approach.

1. Stay On Top: Remove Burs Immediately

Address burs and sticky plant matter as soon as possible—ideally right after your walk. Prompt attention means powerfully tangled mats rarely develop, saving you stress and your dog discomfort.

2. Use Suitable Grooming Tools for Your Dog’s Coat

Effective grooming tools depend on your dog’s fur type. For dogs with shorter or finer coats, a combination of rubber gloves for manual removal, a slicker brush, and a wide-toothed comb works well. For medium to long coats, especially wavy or curly types, slicker brushes, dematting rakes, and silicone-based detangling sprays help loosen pesky materials without pulling or breaking the fur.

In extreme matting cases, electric clippers might be necessary to carefully trim out embedded burs—but this should ideally be done by a professional groomer or vet to protect your dog’s skin.

3. Manual Removal with Care

When you spot burs, first assess if you can gently pull them out by hand wearing rubber gloves. Larger burs can often be teased out without combing. Take care to avoid causing your dog pain or distress, especially around sensitive areas like the ears, face, or paws.

4. Brush and Comb Thoroughly

After initial removal, use a slicker brush with short, gentle strokes to lift smaller burs and foliage from the fur. Then follow up with a wide-toothed metal comb to ensure you clear remaining debris and check for any persistent tangles. This layered approach helps keep your dog’s coat smooth and healthy.

5. Apply Conditioning or Detangling Spray

Silicone-based conditioning sprays (such as those recommended by UK groomers) lubricate the hair shafts, making it easier to work through sticky seeds and burs without causing pain or hair breakage. There are also natural plant-based alternatives if you prefer a gentler option. If you don’t have a detangler, a light dusting of cornstarch can also help loosen embedded burs before brushing.

6. Clip or Trim Thick Fur if Necessary

Dogs with very thick or dense fur that frequently collects burs may benefit from regular clipping or trimming, particularly in problem areas like the chest, back legs, and feathered parts of the coat. This reduces the chance of burs embedding deeply and makes grooming sessions more manageable.

7. Check the Entire Coat

Work methodically and patiently right down to the skin, especially in denser patches, to fully remove burs and prevent mats forming beneath the surface. Avoid pulling hard on tangled areas; short, repeated grooming sessions can be less stressful and more effective.

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership

Remember, regular grooming and coat care are vital parts of responsible dog ownership—not only for your pet’s comfort but also for their health. If you struggle to manage burrs or thistles safely, consulting a professional groomer or your vet ensures your dog gets the best care.

Properly eliminating burs promptly also prevents skin damage and reduces the likelihood of infections or parasite issues, helping your dog enjoy every outdoor adventure with ease.

With these practical steps and tools, you can protect your dog’s coat from the challenges of summer plant debris and give them the freedom to explore safely.